In a surprising mid-season trade, Leonard Williams is set to make his second career move, this time to the Pacific Northwest, where he’ll join the young and ambitious Seattle Seahawks defense.
The New York Giants are finalizing a deal that will send Williams to the Seattle Seahawks, as reported by NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo, and Tom Pelissero. The trade has since been confirmed by the New York Giants. In return for the talented defensive lineman, New York will receive a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick from the Seahawks.
What’s notable about this trade is the subsequent contract restructuring involving Williams. According to Pelissero, this was the sole contract restructuring filed league-wide on Monday, indicating that no other trades completed before Tuesday’s trade deadline can involve teams paying down an existing contract.
Williams, who has experienced trade deadline moves before, finds himself relocating once more. Four years ago, he was traded from the New York Jets to the New York Giants, marking a significant transition in his career. The Jets received third- and fifth-round picks in exchange for Williams, and this trade occurred in a contract year for the USC product. The Giants subsequently franchise-tagged Williams for 2020 before signing him to a three-year, $63 million extension the following year.
Now, Williams is heading west, benefitting both himself and the Giants. The Giants will absorb a significant portion of Williams’ current contract to secure better draft compensation. This arrangement surpasses what the Jets acquired for Williams in 2019, indicating that the Giants have made strides in maximizing their return on this trade. Despite the complexities involved, this trade offers much-needed financial flexibility to the Giants, particularly given their recent financial constraints. Williams’ original contract carried a hefty $32.26 million cap hit for 2023, and this trade provides the Giants with some much-needed relief.
Leonard Williams’ move to the Seattle Seahawks is not only a significant change for the player but also a strategic move for the New York Giants. The trade will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on both teams, shaping their defensive strategies and financial flexibility for the seasons to come.
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